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You need to dress smart to close the deal and impress your colleagues, but the idea of packing for business travel can leave you dazed and bleary-eyed. If you pack the wrong clothes, you could be uncomfortably hot or cold, or even overdressed. When packing for a work-related trip, especially to an unfamiliar location, ask colleagues for advice on the client's style and level of formality so you'll know what to bring along.

Items you will need

Luggage

Travel documents

Step 1

Choose your luggage with the length of your stay in mind. A 22-inch suitcase is sufficient for most trips. And one on rollers is even easier to tote around. If you're going for only one night, bring along a smaller tote bag and a briefcase. Consider whether you'll need to bring a laptop, work files, special work equipment or other devices that take up room in your luggage.

Step 2

Pick out what to wear on the plane. If you're only bringing one suit, CNN.com recommends wearing your suit jacket on the plane to save space. Any wrinkles will disappear when you hang it up that night, plus most hotels now include irons as an amenity in the room and you can use these for steaming. Set aside all clothes and shoes you plan to wear on the plane and, if possible, pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off your feet for when you work your way through airport security.

Step 3

Pack gym clothes or sports clothes if you'll be golfing, fishing or engaging in other recreation on your trip. Even a trip to the hotel gym can help relieve the stress of business travel and bring your energy level up. Don't forget the right footwear for exercise.

Step 4

Choose dress clothes for your business meetings. Comb your closet for fabrics that don't wrinkle as much -- meaning wrinkle-free cotton items or lightweight wool; leave the heavier wool at home. Try a few solid color shirts, plus a few items that you can easily mix and match. If you'll be traveling for several days, CNN.com suggests packing items you can layer and reuse. This approach works for both women and men. Include at least one pair of dress shoes in your luggage.

Step 5

Pack any toiletries you need in a gallon-sized plastic bag and place the bag in your checked luggage. You might want to bring mouthwash, toothpaste, sunscreen, hair products, moisturizer, a shaving kit and any special shampoo or soap you prefer. If you need prescription medication, include it with the toiletries. If you are carrying on the items, be aware that your bag can only be one quart in size and any liquids need to be in containers of 3 ounces or less.

Step 6

Gather any business documents you need to bring, plus important electronic equipment such as a cellphone. Ensure you have chargers for every piece of equipment. Pack these items in a piece of carry-on luggage or in a briefcase, since you might want to use them on the plane.

Step 7

Pack snacks, a book, any company gifts and other incidentals. If you're unfamiliar with the area where you're going, bring a map or a city guidebook.

Step 8

Get cash to cover airport food, transportation and other incidentals. Make sure you have your travel documents and identification handy.

References

About the Author

A successful website writer since 1998, Elton Dunn has demonstrated experience with technology, information retrieval, usability and user experience, social media, cloud computing, and small business needs. Dunn holds a degree from UCSF and formerly worked as professional chef. Dunn has ghostwritten thousands of blog posts, newsletter articles, website copy, press releases and product descriptions. He specializes in developing informational articles on topics including food, nutrition, fitness, health and pets.

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